Delegates from 33 countries participate in WOSY international seminar on “Role of Youth in Social Transformation”?

Himachal CM inaugurates the Seminar?

By Ajai Srivastava from Shimla

Dilfuza Nurullaywa of Turkmenistan, Puja Karanjit of Nepal, Kafdula Chisanga of Zambia and Marian Koto of Fiji Islands may be the young women from the different parts of the world studying in India. But one thing is common among them. They all believe that peace and tranquility in the world can not be imposed upon and it can be restored through making people realised that Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam or world is a family.

Not only these women but all the youth and students from 33 countries who participated in a two-day international seminar on “Role of Youth in Social Transformation” organised under the aegis of World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY) realised this fact.

The core issues which were discussed in different sessions included global economy, moral and behavioral issues amongst youth, youth participatory roles in social reformation and impact of social media on youth.

While inaugurating the seminar, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh said that the efforts being made by WOSY to strengthen world peace are commendable as only youth can bring a positive change in the ailing world. He, quoting the example of Swami Vivekananda and some other great personalities of the world said, “In history also we find that a positive change has always been the synonymous of youth.”

“It’s the age of youth awakening. In parts of Africa also, the youth fed up with the dictatorships and corruption are leading social and political moments. When we come together for a cause, we can step forward to make a better world.”

—Zziwa Ismael of Uganda?

Dr Rashmi Singh, Chairperson, WOSY, said winds of change were sweeping the globe and a series of protests were being witnessed even in the Arab world over the issues pertaining to governance, corruption and economic disparities. The youth were in the forefront of these movements for a change. Shri Sunil Ambekar, organising secretary of ABVP and memer of WOSY advisory board, said that India always preached the principle of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam and it is the only solution of the present crises opf the world.

Prof ADN Bajpai, Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University said, “Transformation of self leads to social transformation. If you transform yourself, the whole world will be changed.” He said that the great principle of Hindus—Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam or world is a family means not only men and women but animals, birds, insects, flora and fauna, seas, rivers; mountains of the world are the part of our family and it is our moral duty to take care of their interests.

Talking to Organiser, the youth and students expressed their desire to start WOSY chapter in their countries. Phillip Nayacalevu of Fiji Islands was of the view that big powers want to impose peace upon the other countries which is wrong. “We have realised that only people to people contacts can make us understand the problems of the other countries. And WOSY’s seminar is a great success in this way,” he added. Zziwa Ismael of Uganda said, “It’s the age of youth awakening. In parts of Africa also, the youth fed up with the dictatorships and corruption are leading social and political moments. When we come together for a cause, we can step forward to make a better world.”

Ms. Kafula of Zambia said that before coming to WOSY seminar, I never heard or thought of ‘ world is a family’. It’s a fascinating idea. Mohammad Hashim Pashtun, a young engineer from Afghanistan was of the opinion that only strong networking among the right thinking youth can isolate the fanatics. “In my country, this process is getting momentum and the day will come when the youth movement will overshadow the Jihadis,” he added. Puja Karanjit of Nepal and Anisa of Indonesia have great interest in travelling and taking part in social reform movements. They said that it is the young generation which can bring social reforms in the society and WOSY is preparing the future leaders of the world.

Gedion Omwono of Kenya and a fan of Mahatma Gandhi said, “People of India still have potential and capability to lead the world community like she did in the past. WOSY activities should be started in Africa also.”

The young participants said that they got a good opportunity to understand culture and different issues of other countries in this seminar and it provided the platform for networking. 

The experts who delivered lectures in the programme include KA Badarinath, a senior journalist, Jai Ram Thakur, a Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prof Nagesh Thakur of HP University, Umesh Londhe, an economic expert from Chennai and Aniket Kale of WOSY. ?